One of the world’s largest and most prestigious hotel management companies, Four Seasons is privately held since 2007 by Kingdom Holding Company and Cascade Investment Management, controlled by Bill Gates. KHC and Cascade each hold 45 percent of Four Seasons.

KHC’s involvement with Four Seasons dates from 1994, when KHC acquired a minority interest via a private investment in a public equity transaction. KHC already had identified the company as a potential global leader in the luxury management segment and seized the opportunity to invest at a very attractive price. The investment provided access to a high-value range of brand and management skills to add value to the growing portfolio of luxury properties controlled by KHC and Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI).

KHI launched an offer in 2006 to take Four Seasons private in partnership with Cascade and Triple Holdings, an investment vehicle for Isadore Sharp, the original founder of Four Seasons. The transaction was completed in 2010 with KHI and Cascade holding 45% each and 10% held by Triple Holdings. KHI is now wholly owned by KHC.

Company Profile

Four Seasons started with a modest motor inn opened in 1961 by Isadore Sharp in Toronto. Today the company operates a portfolio of hotels on every continent except Antarctica and has evolved into one of the most powerful and respected hospitality companies in the industry, known for its exceptional service culture. The 85 Four Seasons properties are consistently ranked among the top luxury hotels worldwide. Four Seasons does not own most of its properties but operates them on behalf of real estate owners and developers.

The company is currently planning new properties in China, India and Russia.